church with a six year old

Last night we drove down to Bundanoon after work for the Jeremy’s induction to the Parish of Sutton Forest, and the welcome of the family to the parish. It’s such a lovely part of the world, I always enjoy driving down to the Southern Highlands – although driving down and back on the same night after work was a bit of a marathon effort.

The service was lovely. Very positive and friendly and with a great supper afterwards. That’s one good thing about living in the country – at least you know you’ll always get a good feed. Very good baking.

I think Nathaniel was feeling a little overwhelmed by the whole thing. He took a long time getting dressed and was getting a bit cheeky and bossy. But when we went into the church and his mother and sister were busy chatting to parishioners, he brought his toy cars, his pillow and blanket and came and sat next to me. I guess I’ve been part of their family since he was born, so I’m familiar and comforting. But I was touched that he wanted to sit with me.

He’s at that age where you can have really funny and interesting conversations. He was drawing on a piece of paper that had the CBA logo on it and he looked at me with surprise on his face and exclaimed, “The Commonwealth Bank! That’s where I do my banking!”

But the best was when we were discussing hair length. I noticed his hair was getting longer and said that he might have to get a haircut soon. He said, “No, I don’t want a haircut! I want to be emo!”

His sister Bethany isn’t an emo, but likes black and hair over her eyes, much like me as a teenager. Nathaniel was very pleased when I showed him that his fringe was long enough to cover his eyebrows, and impressed with my fringe when I showed him that it came down to my mouth.